updated 02:41 pm EST, Fri December 13, 2013

Windows 8, RT users can take advantage of Slingbox

Slingbox announced in a post to its blog on Friday that its SlingPlayer app is now available for Windows 8.1 and RT devices. The new app pairs with a Slingbox in order to transmit video content from a user's home computer or other device directly to a user's mobile device. Users downloading the app will have access to a free test-drive period of 24 hours before it will require them to decide whether they wish to purchase it for $15.

Slingbox devices have been compatible with Windows 8.1 devices, but until now they have had to run in the desktop environment. The new app brings Slingbox compatibility to the tile-based Modern UI environment for Windows 8.1 devices, and it also allows Windows RT devices to finally access Slingbox content.

The Slingbox app has a Gallery view that lets users navigate their content holdings in an arrangement that fits the Modern style. It also allows for both touch- and mouse-control.

The app is available for download at the Windows Store, which can be accessed by compatible devices. A companion app is available for Windows Phone. That app costs $15, and it works with devices running both Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7.5.